The National First Gen College Celebration takes place every year on November 8th. The 2022 Syracuse University celebration was sponsored by the Kessler Scholars Program, HEOP, TRIO SSS, New Student and Family Programs, and SU Libraries. One of the ways we celebrated First Gen Day was by gathering first generation college students from across Syracuse University to hear their perspectives and learn from their experiences.

Craig Tucker, the director of the Office of Supportive Services, introduces this podcast by providing some background on the First Generation College Celebration as well information regarding programs on campus that serve first gen students (Kessler Scholars Program, HEOP, and TRIO SSS). This podcast then features a discussion between undergraduate students Anthony Hernandez (Kessler Scholars Program), Genesis Alvarez (HEOP), Mauricio Luna (TRIO SSS), Samantha Vajellos (HEOP/SSS student community member), and Raul Rosique, Jr (Navy student veteran). Also at the table is HEOP Academic Counselor Amy Friers, who is also a proud first gen graduate.

This podcast was produced and edited by Amy Horan Messersmith, associate director of the Office of Supportive Services (HEOP/SSS). A special thank you to Nicholas Piato (The SENSES Project Audio Lab Program Coordinator) for lending his sound editing expertise.